Father Chas

continued

After four years as a priest, he says, the "most difficult adjustment" to the religious life is "keeping my weight down!" He's been so busy he's had to cut back on sports, including his beloved golf. At the same time, his congregation is keeping him a little too well fed: "Everyone wants to have 'Father' over for dinner," he explains, "and they go all out."

St. Thomas is the city's oldest Catholic church. Some families have been attending services in its beautiful stone building on the corner of State and Kingsley for generations.

Though many older churches in central cities have seen membership decline, Canoy says St. Thomas has "remained steady at just under 2,000 families, despite a number of families having to move away for employment opportunities."

His convivial, optimistic nature is challenged by the current hard times. More people come to the church seeking succor, both spiritual and practical (the church offers free clothing and food through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul). "I wish I had more hours in the day!" he says, noting regretfully that he can't always see parishoners the moment they want an appointment.